On Valentine’s Day, we all want to do something thoughtful for our sweethearts. Why not double up and help someone you don’t even know have a hot, nourishing meal?

It’s so easy! This is the 14th year for Be a Sweetheart. The event was founded in 2004 when a need to fill their pantries was communicated by our food security partners. In the beginning, Mast Store matched each pound of candy purchased with our own pound of food. Then, because of the ability of our food banks and food rescue partners to stretch a dollar into more, Mast Store began donating $1 for each pound purchased. It was a natural tie-in to link Valentine’s Day, when many of us do something nice for someone we love, to supporting efforts to feed a desperate need in our communities.

The Hunger and Health Coalition (HHC) is our food partner in Valle Crucis and Boone, N.C. In 2016, the HHC distributed a record amount of food to people across Western North Carolina.  They distributed 10, 464 boxes of food to over 27,000 people in the High Country.

Last August, the HHC launched a collaborative with Appalachia Cookie Company. This labor of love offered a unique way for customers to give back to their local community, all while getting a sweet treat. Subscribers to the 30-Thirty Project provided 30-pounds of food to a local family in need every month for one year. As a token of gratitude, the Appalachia Cookie Company shipped a dozen of their delicious cookies the first Monday of the month for twelve months. Giving back has never tasted so good.

“In 2016, our staff, volunteers, and donors rallied together and allowed for our agency to have a wonderfully successful year! We are so blessed to be a part of this community that leverages their own personal and professional resources to assist our High Country neighbors in need. We are very much looking forward to 2017 and hope that you will accompany us on our journey to alleviate poverty on a local scale,” shares Elizabeth, HHC Volunteer Coordinator. 

In addition to Mast Store’s donation, change collection jars will be positioned at each register. Even a few coins can have life changing effects. Our partners’ ability to stretch any donation is proof positive that a little can do A LOT! This year’s Be a Sweetheart event is coming up on Saturday and Sunday, February 11 and 12.

Click HERE to find out more about how you can get involved with the worthy efforts of the Hunger and Health Coalition.
 

Be A Sweetheart 2017 from Mast Store on Vimeo.